Ben Phillips

Owner / Director - Gardian Finance

After 12 years in the local trade industry as a Business Development Officer, Ben joined the Mortgage Choice team in 2006. Through deep finance industry knowledge and a highly ethical nature, Ben has helped to establish Gardian’s position as a local leader in financial services. His innate ability to empower clients and staff has resulted in 75% of Phillips Mortgage Choice’s business coming from repeat customers. He aspires for his clients to achieve the great Australian dream, nightmare free! Having personally gone through the process of building and purchasing property (for both personal and investment purposes) Ben’s passion for the industry is undeniable. Ben offers a personalised service to ensure the process of obtaining a loan is seamless! Ben Phillips 73 Wood Street, Mackay 0412 177 181 ben.phillips@mortgagechoice.com.au

Justin Shoer

Loan Consultant

Justin joined the team in August 2017 after having previously worked for leading companies such as Telstra and Next Byte for over two and a half years. Justin completed his Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking in 2020. Having started as loan processor Justin has advanced in his career and is now a Loans Consutant. His dedication to customer service promotes an effortless process for clients during their experience to feel confident and at ease.

Zachary Spencer

Loan Consultant

Zachary became part of the Gardian Finance team in January 2022, bringing years of leadership experience from the telecommunications industry. His dedication to finding tailored solutions for every client has equipped him with the skills to truly understand and meet their unique needs. Since joining Gardian Finance, Zachary has grown into his role as one of our valued Mortgage Brokers. He holds a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and serves as a Commissioner for Declarations, underscoring his commitment to excellence and professionalism. Zachary’s genuine passion for helping people shines through in his work. He takes pride in making the home loan journey seamless and stress-free for his clients, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

Nikita Denkewitz

Loan Consultant

Nikita has been a part of the Mortgage Choice family since 2012, commencing her career with Ben in Finance at just 18 she gained valuable experience in the finance world. Using the knowledge and on hand experience she obtained in her position, she promptly completed her Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking completed the lender accreditations and immediately found her passion in assisting others in achieving their financial goals and creating financial wealth & security for our clients. In 2017 Nikita decided she wanted to further educate herself and transitioned to Real Estate. After a few years in Real Estate - Property Management, she hit pause on her career and started her family. In 2022 Nikita returned to our Finance team. Having experience in Finance, Real Estate, Administration and Hospitality, Nikita brings a diverse skill set to her current position. Her role as Office Management support is to help in all arears to support Ben and Justin in the running of the office. Nikita is also responsible for and conducts regular training with our admin support staff to ensure everyone is kept up to date with compliance and new lending policies. Nikita’s passion for the industry and hands on knowledge, industry experience and willingness to help her team members reach their full potential makes her the perfect fit for our Finance Team.

Grace Birkett

Loans Processor | Administration Assistant

Grace joined the Mortgage Choice team in August 2020. Grace is currently one of our main receptionists and administration support to our team of brokers. Grace is also a loan processor and assists with Justin's clients. Her bubbly personality and previous experience in a major shopping centre customer service filed makes Grace the perfect person to provide customers with a great first impression. 73 Wood Street, Mackay 07 4957 7424

Golda Emery

Loans Processor | Administration Assistant

Golda has worked for Gardian Finance since May 2022. Golda works alongside Kate as a Loan Processor and also assists with Ben’s clients from initial appointment through to settlement ensuring the process is as smooth & stress free as possible. Golda is always happy to answer any question or query you could have. 73 Wood Street, Mackay 07 4957 7424 golda.emery@mortgagechoice.com.au

Ella Phillips

Administration Assistant

Late 2023, Ella joined our team after finishing school with years of customer service and retail experience. Although Ella hasn't been working with our team for very long, as the daughter of Peter and Denise Philips who established our office in Mackay in 2000, Ella has a great understanding of our values and wants to use her personal connection to the business to ensure brokers and clients reach their goals as efficiently as possible.

Max McLennan

Administration Assistant

Max officially joined our team in September 2023 after completing a successful work experience stint during his school holidays, where he discovered his passion for finance. Since then, he has taken on a full-time role as a Loans Processor, working closely with Zachary to support clients throughout their home loan journey. With prior experience in retail, Max brings excellent customer service skills and a keen willingness to learn. Driven and ambitious, he has set his sights on advancing his career and becoming a Mortgage Broker in the future. Max’s enthusiasm for finance and dedication to growth make him a valuable part of our team.